String light storage container

ABSTRACT

A string light storage container. The string light storage container includes a base. The base defines a cylinder rising upward therefrom. The cylinder is centrally disposed in the base. The cylinder is shaped to receive string lights therearound. A cover is removably securable to the base via a fastener, such that an interior cavity is formed around the cylinder when the cover is engaged with the base.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/689,309 filed on Jun. 25, 2018. The above identified patentapplication is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety toprovide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a string light storage container. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to a string light storagecontainer with a removably securable cover to protect the string lightsstored therein.

String lights are decorative accessories that are often used in thewinter holiday season or otherwise in an outdoor setting or an indoorsetting. These lights can enlighten a room and enhance the aestheticfeatures of the room, as well as act as a vibrant outdoor decoration. Auser may not desire, however, to leave string lights up as a permanentfixture, as they may create an unsightly aesthetic if left up for toolong, particularly outdoors. Thus, the string lights may need to betaken down from the structure and stored at certain times.

Unfortunately, string lights are often difficult to store, whereby theymay often get tangled. When string lights get tangled, they may getdamaged from kinks or twists in the string lights. Additionally,untangling tangled string lights can be a time-consuming and frustratingprocess. Replacing tangled string lights can be expensive compared toeffectively storing the string lights. Therefore, there is a need for adevice that allows for string lights to be stored in a manner thatprevents tangling or other damage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types oflight device storage containers now present in the prior art the presentinvention provides a string light storage container wherein the same canbe utilized for providing convenience for the user when storing stringlights.

The present system comprises a base defining a planar surface. The basedefines a cylinder rising upward from the planar surface thereof. Thecylinder is centrally disposed upon the base such that the base providesa platform around the cylinder for the storage of string lights. Thecylinder is shaped to receive string lights therearound, such thatstring lights can be stored around the cylinder without being tangled. Acover is removably securable to the base via a fastener, such that aninterior cavity is formed around the cylinder when the cover is engagedwith the base.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a base that isa circular planar surface, such that when a string light is wrappedaround the cylinder, it can be evenly distributed relative to thefastener at which the cover attaches to the base.

In yet another embodiment, it is an object of the present invention toprovide a cover and a base that are of an identical diameter, such thatdust and debris are prevented from entering the interior cavity betweenthe cover and the base when the cover engaged with the base.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the base defines anouter threading that corresponds to an inner threading that is on thecover. As such, dust and debris are further prevented from entering theinterior cavity when the outer threading of the base is engaged with theinner threading of the cover.

In yet another embodiment, it is an object of the present invention toprovide a handle disposed on an external surface of the cover. As such,the handle is utilized to manipulate the cover relative to the base,such that the cover can be secured upon the base via an action of theuser.

In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, an indent isdisposed in the cover, and extends downwardly toward the cylinder of thebase. As such, the string lights are further secured and prevented fromtangling in the interior cavity.

In a further embodiment, it is an object of the present invention toprovide an indent of the cover that is in contact with the cylinder ofthe base when the cover is engaged with the base, such that a column isdefined entirely through the interior cavity.

In yet another embodiment, it is an object of the present invention toprovide a flat surface on the cover, such that a second base of a secondstring light storage device is receivable upon the cover.

In yet a further embodiment, it is an object of the present invention toprovide a base that defines an interface, such that the interface isreceivable upon a second cover of a second string light storage device.

In another embodiment, it is an object of the present invention toprovide a cylinder that is rounded or beveled at the distal end thereof,such that damage is reduced to the string lights being stored around thecylinder.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will beparticularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and mannerin which it may be made and used may be better understood after a reviewof the following description, taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a base of an embodiment of the stringlight storage container.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a bottom surface of a base of anembodiment of the string light storage container.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the string lightstorage container wherein the cover is engaged with the base.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the string lightstorage container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like referencenumerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similarelements of the string light storage container. The figures are intendedfor representative purposes only and should not be considered to belimiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of a base ofan embodiment of the string light storage container. The base 11 definesa planar surface 12 and at least one base sidewall 14 extending downwardtherefrom, such that the at least one base sidewall 14 provides supportto the planar surface 12 of the base 11. The planar surface 12 isdesigned to gravitationally secure a plurality of string lights thereon.In the illustrated embodiment, the base 11 defines a planar surface 12that is circular. As such, when a string light is wrapped around thecylinder, it is evenly distributed therearound as the distance betweenthe cylinder and an edge of the planar surface 12 is more stable.

A cylinder 13 extends upward from the planar surface 12 of the base 11.In the illustrated embodiment, that string lights are wrappable aroundthe cylinder 13. The cylinder 13 defines a proximal end 15, that is incontact with the planar surface 12 of the base 11 opposite of a distalend 16. During use, as the string lights are wrapped around the cylinder13, a first end of the string lights will be placed at the proximal end15 of the cylinder 13. The string lights will be wrapped around thecylinder 13 repeatedly, and the string lights rest upon each other. Inone embodiment, the distal end 16 of the cylinder 13 is rounded orbeveled, such that damage to the string lights is reduced when they arestored upon the cylinder 13.

In the illustrated embodiment, the base 11 further comprises a fastener17 disposed on an external surface of the at least one base sidewall 14.The fastener 17 is configured to removably receive a cover thereon, asis illustrated in FIG. 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener 17is a threaded fastener. However, in further embodiments any fastener maybe utilized, such as an interlocking lip or a frictional fitting part.Any suitable fastener may be utilized to removably secure the cover tothe base 11.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a bottom surface of a base of anembodiment of the string light storage container. In one embodiment, thebase 11 defines an interface. The interface is configured to bereceivable upon a second cover of a second string light storage device.Users that own multiple strings of string lights may need to utilizeseveral string light storage devices to store them. As such, theinterface provided on the base 11 allow for multiple string lightstorage devices to be stacked or otherwise stored together in astructurally secure manner.

In the illustrated embodiment, the base 11 further comprises a pluralityof base supports. The plurality of base supports is configured toprovide structural support to the base 11, such that when string lightsare stored in the string light storage device, the planar surface of thebase 11 will not sag or bend. In the illustrated embodiment, theplurality of base supports comprises a central base support 23 and aplurality of secondary base supports 22 extending outwardly therefrom.The central base support 23 is configured to rest below the cylinderthat is centrally disposed upon the top surface of the base 11. As such,force exerted upon the cylinder is absorbed by the central base support23. Each secondary base support of the plurality of secondary basesupports 22 extends from the central base support 23 to an internalsurface of the at least one base side wall 14. As such, force exertedupon the planar surface of the base 11 is absorbed by the plurality ofsecondary base supports 22.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a perspective view of anembodiment of the string light storage container. The string lightstorage container 10 further comprises a cover 31. In the illustratedembodiment, the cover 31 tapers from a bottom edge to a top edgethereof. The cover 31 is removably securable to the base 11 via afastener. When the cover 31 is engaged with the base 11, an interiorcavity is defined around the cylinder, between the cover 31 and the base11. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 31 further comprises a rim32. Furthermore, as shown, the rim 32 is of an identical circumferenceas the base 11. When the cover 31 and the base 11 are of an identicaldiameter, convenience is provided as dust and debris are prevented fromentering the interior cavity between the cover 31 and the base 11 whenthe cover 31 is engaged with the base 11.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 31 further comprises a handle33. The handle 33 is disposed on an external surface of the cover 31. Asshown, the handle 33 is disposed in an indent 34. As such, in the shownembodiment, the handle 33 does not protrude from the cover 31 in amanner that would prevent stacking of a plurality of string lightstorage units. The handle 33 is provided, such that the handle 33 isutilized to manipulate the cover 31 relative to the base 11, such thatthe cover 31 can be secured upon the base 11 via an action of the user.In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 33 structurally comprises apair of perpendicularly disposed intersecting members 36. The pair ofintersecting members 36 meet at a center point 37 each thereof.Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the handle 33 forms aunitary piece with the cover 31. As such, the handle 33 provides anideal structure through which the user may twist the handle 33 engagingor disengaging the cover 31 with the base 11.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 31 defines a flat surface 35 atthe top face thereof, such that a second base of a second string lightstorage container is receivable upon the cover 31. Users that ownmultiple strings of string lights may need to utilize several stringlight storage containers to store them. As such, the flat surface 35 ofthe cover 31 will allow for the second string light storage device to berested or stacked thereon. In one embodiment, the cover 31 is entirelyflat with the exception of the indent 34 that is centrally disposed onthe cover 31. In another embodiment, the cover 31 further comprises alip 38 defined around a perimeter of the top face of the cover 31. Assuch, the lip 38 provides further structural stability to the stringlight storage device 10.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a cross-sectional view of anembodiment of the string light storage container. In the illustratedembodiment, the base 11 defines an outer threading 41. The outerthreading 41 is disposed on an external surface of a vertical lip 42rising upward from the base 11. The outer threading 41 is configured tocorrespond with an inner threading 43. The inner threading 43 isdisposed on an interior surface of a vertical overhang 44 of the cover31. As such, humidity, dust and debris are further prevented fromentering the interior cavity 45 when the outer threading 41 of the base11 is engaged with the inner threading 43 of the cover 31 as theprotrusions of the outer threading 41 will interlock with theprotrusions of the inner threading 43. In use, the user can engage theouter threading 41 of the base 11 with the inner threading 43 of thecover 31 by turning the handle 33.

In the illustrated embodiment, the indent 34 in the cover 31 extendsdownwardly toward the cylinder 13 of the base 11. As such, the stringlights are further secured and prevented from tangling in the interiorcavity because the gap between the cylinder 13 and the indent 34 of thecover 31 is dimensioned such that a string light is unable to passtherethrough. In a further embodiment, the indent 34 of the cover 31 isin contact with the distal end 16 of the cylinder 13 of the base 11 whenthe cover 31 is engaged with the base 11, such that a column is definedentirely through the interior cavity 45. As such, the indent 34 and thecylinder 13 not only prevent tangling of the string lights, but alsoprovide structural support to the cover 31 such that the cover 31 isprevented from sagging or collapsing in a manner that may potentiallycause damage to the contents of the interior cavity 45.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown anddescribed in various embodiments. It is recognized however, thatdepartures may be made within the scope of the invention and thatobvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. Withrespect to the above description then, it is to be realized that theoptimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, toinclude variations in size, materials, shape, form function and mannerof operation, assembly and use are deemed readily apparent and obviousto one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to thoseillustrated in the drawings and described in the specification areintended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

We claim: 1) A string light storage container, comprising: a basedefining a planar surface; a cylinder extending upwardly from the base;and a cover removably secured to the base via a fastener such that aninterior cavity is defined around the cylinder when the cover is engagedwith the base. 2) The string light storage container of claim 1, whereinthe base defines a circular planar surface. 3) The string light storagecontainer of claim 1, wherein the cover and the base are of an identicaldiameter. 4) The string light storage container of claim 1, wherein thebase defines an outer threading configured to correspond to an innerthreading defined by the cover. 5) The string light storage container ofclaim 1, wherein a handle is disposed on an external surface of thecover. 6) The string light storage container of claim 1, wherein anindent in the cover extends downward toward the cylinder. 7) The stringlight storage container of claim 6, wherein the indent is in contactwith the cylinder when the cover is engaged with the lid. 8) The stringlight storage container of claim 1, wherein the cover defines a flatsurface, such that a second base of a second string light storagecontainer can be stacked upon the cover. 9) The string light storagecontainer of claim 1, wherein the base defines an interface on a lowersurface thereof, wherein the interface is configured to rest upon thetop surface of the cover. 10) The string light storage container ofclaim 1, wherein a distal end of the cylinder is beveled. 11) The stringlight storage container of claim 1, wherein the distal end of thecylinder is rounded. 12) A string light storage container, comprising: abase defining a planar surface; a cylinder extending upward from thebase; a cover removably secured to the base such that an interior cavityis defined around the cylinder when the cover is engaged with the base;wherein the cover forms a seal against the base when in a closedconfiguration. 13) A string light storage container, comprising: a basehaving a top surface opposite a bottom surface; a cylinder extendingupward from the top surface of the base; the cylinder having a proximalend attached at the base and a distal end opposite of the proximal end;the distal end of the cylinder being rounded; a cover removablysecurable around the step of the base; the step configured to receivethe cover therearound, such that a seal is formed between the step andthe cover; the cover comprising an indent; the indent sized to contactthe cylinder when the cover is engaged with the base; the indentcomprising a handle therein.